How to Talk to Your Insurance After a Car Accident

What to Say (and What Not to Say) to an Insurance Adjuster

There are few things scarier and more overwhelming than being involved in a car accident. Few people are prepared for how to handle even a minor collision, let alone a severe accident involving injury or death. It is essential to know what you should and should not say to the insurance company in order to protect your right to compensation.

At Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana Injury Lawyers, we fight for those injured in car accidents throughout Alabama. We know the financial hardship that an unexpected crash can create, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients get the compensation they deserve.

If you were injured in a car accident, contact our office at (251) 444-7000 to request a free, no-obligation consultation. 

4 Things You Should Never Discuss with an Insurance Adjuster

In the days following a car accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster. It may be a representative from your own insurance company or another party that was involved in the collision. Regardless of which company the insurance adjuster represents, you should never discuss: 

• Fault. It is not your job to determine fault, and you should never make statements like “I’m sorry” or “It was my mistake.” An investigation will help to determine who was at fault as there may be more than one party that contributed to the accident.
  
• Injuries. You do not need to discuss your injuries, and you should never indicate that you are unsure whether you were injured. It is important to seek medical attention and to continue treatment until release by a doctor or physician.

• Representation. Unless you have already retained an attorney, you should not discuss whether you have legal representation.

• Non-factual details. The only information you should provide to an insurance adjuster prior to consulting with an attorney is the basics of the accident. 

Insurance companies routinely try to deny claims or downplay injuries in an attempt to get injured parties to settle for less than their case is worth. Hiring an attorney early in the process can help you deal with the insurance company and avoid common pitfalls that may lower your settlement. 

What to Say If an Insurance Adjuster Calls

If you are contacted by an insurance adjuster after a motor vehicle accident, you can let them know the facts about the incident. Things to say to the insurance company:

• The date of the accident;
• The time the accident occurred;
• Your name and contact information;
• Where the accident happened; and
• Names and insurance information of others involved.

Keep the discussion to a minimum and never offer opinions about what caused the accident. Things you say can and will be used against you. Never sign anything or make a statement without first talking to an attorney.

Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Our Office.

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact our office at (251) 444-7000 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will fight against lowball offers from insurance companies and work to ensure that you receive the maximum recovery allowed by law. Call now to get started.